How to Apply at a Private School

A private school is one that is run independently from local, state or federal funding. These schools are at times referred to as independent schools. The majority of funding for these schools comes from the exorbitant tuition fees, endowment funds and various contributions from alumni, current parents and various philanthropic contributors and organizations. A number of parents who are able to afford private schools choose to do so because of the rigorous academic activities and the small class sizes. In the event that you decide to move your child to a private school, you will have to consider a number of factors.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• List of private schools you wish to apply to Child's current transcript Child's SSAT or ISEE exam results Recommendation letter from his current school

Deciding on a School

1. Distinguish between the various kinds of independent schools, such as religious, co-ed and boarding. Find out if the institution is a lower, middle or upper school, or all three. For example, if you want your child to attend an independent school with a Catholic background for girls only, it is highly suggested that you look into at least five schools of that type.

2. Know your budget. Private schools tend to be very expensive, so you need to set a limit on how much you can spend on tuition. Look into the financial aid offers at the various schools.

3. Once you have distinguished the schools, narrow them down by location and their relative convenience in the event you have to drop and pick up your child or, if it's a boarding school, if it's easily accessible come visitation time. This is important to note not only for you but for your child as well, as a long commute can have a toll on both of you.

4. Request catalogs from the schools of your choice. In most cases the catalog will be accompanied by an application form to the school. Look into the backgrounds of the schools and if their students have a high academic pass rate into universities. A number of these schools are well known for sending a majority of their students to Ivy League colleges. Consider the academic background of the school as one of your priorities. Depending on your child's talents, look into the extracurricular activities such as music lessons and sports. In most cases, your' child's abilities in extracurricullar activities could help in gaining him admission to the school as well as a hefty scholarship.

5. Submit an application form. Application forms can be filled out on the school's website. Remember to fill out the form in its entirety and if any extra information is needed , such as your child's SSAT or ISSE results, please mail them to the school.

6. Make the interview. In most cases, the school will inform you whether you can come in for an interview or not. This is why it is important to reach out to as many schools as possible. However, the chances that several schools may accept your application is also possible. Once your application is accepted, the school will call you and your child in for an interview. A scheduled appointment will be set, and it is important that you show up or, if you can't make it, inform the school to reschedule far in advance. As with a job interview, a first impression counts so do not spoil your opportunity by not showing up with no prior reason.

The Process Leading to Acceptance

7. At the interview, ensure that both you and your child are dressed appropriately. Make sure that your child is aware of what the interview entails. An admissions officer will ask questions of you and your child. Let your child know beforehand that he or she needs to be confident, eloquent and mannerly. You and your child will most likely be given a tour of the school during which you may meet other members of the faculty.

8. Attend the "shadow day." If at this point your child makes a good impression and his grades are acceptable by the school, he may be invited to spend a day at the school and get a feel of how it works. They will be assigned to a current student who will show him around. That way, your child will get a feel of the routine and sense whether he will like attending it.

9. Reply to the acceptance letter in a timely fashion. If your child is accepted, you will receive a letter from the school and have a deadline to respond. This is basically the final step in applying at a private school. Once you accept the position, then an enrollment package will be sent to you with instructions.

Tips & Warnings

• Plan at least a year in advance if you decide to move your child to a private school. The process can be rigorous so be organized by keeping all the paperwork you submit together and in order. Ensure that your child maintains good grades from the start of his schooling. The competition is very rugged, and most private schools expect their students to get exceptional grades. If you have any connections at the school, be sure to point them out.
• Note that your child may have to sit the SSAT or the ISEE and pass if they have not taken the test(s) before. Make sure your child is prepared for this. If you are looking to apply for financial aid, be sure to do so as soon as you have accepted the position at the school. The earlier you do so, the more likely you are to get the scholarship you want. Note the deadlines on the application forms. Missing a deadline may lead to your application being rejected and you may have to walt another year to begin the whole process again.